Brennan's Key runs over, by Smithson Valley

By David Hinojosa :
September 4, 2014
: Updated: September 5, 2014 2:23pm

Brennan quarterback Da'Shawn Key scores a first-half touchdown against Smithson Valley during high school football action at Farris Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News

Brennan quarterback Da'Shawn Key scores on long run as Randy Rios of Smithson Valley chases during high school football action at Farris Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News

Makai Green of Brennan scores on a long run against Smithson Valley during high school football action at Farris Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News

Brennan defenders Jaelan Collier, left, and Marcus Martinez (3) break up a pass intended for Derek Housler of Smithson Valley during high school football action at Farris Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News

The Smithson Valley football team and fans stand respectfully during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner before the team's game against Brennan at Farris Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News

Brennan quarterback Da'Shawn Key looks into the stands after he scored a touchdown against Smithson Valley in football action at Farris Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News

Smithson Valley receiver Kyle Kirshner is unable to catch this attempted touchdown pass during high school football action against Brennan at Farris Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News

Brennan quarterback Da'Shawn Key spins and scores a touchdown against Smithson Valley during high school football action at Farris Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News

The Brennan Bears take the field for their game against Smithson Valley at Farris Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News

Smithson Valley kicker Zach Watson (43) and holder Chad Carson watch as the ball sails through the uprights for a first-quarter field goal against Brennan at Farris Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News

Brennan students cheer on their team against Smithson Valley during high school football action at Farris Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News

Quarterback Da'Shawn Key of Brennan celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Smithson Valley during high school football action at Farris Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

If there were any lingering doubts about whether Brennan could play at the highest level in Texas, the Bears took care of them Thursday night with a 41-10 victory over Smithson Valley.

“I'm really excited about the effort the kids put forward, the execution of the game plan, and obviously, the result,” Brennan coach Steve Basore said.

Brennan (2-0), which moved up a classification this season one year after making the state finals, won its 25th consecutive regular season contest. Smithson Valley (0-2), a year removed from a 10-0 regular season, lost its third in a row dating back to 2013.

When making such a huge leap, it helps to have a quarterback like Da'Shawn Key. The senior showed off his quickness, speed and power in racking up 308 total yards and five touchdowns before 3,481 fans at Farris Stadium.

“He can usually make the good reads and make the plays he needs to make,” Basore said of Key. “He's got an X-factor. Sometimes, he can make a play that doesn't look right and turn it into a good play. It's hard to defend things like that.”

The Bears, ranked No. 2 among area Class 6A schools, spotted No. 6 Smithson Valley a field goal on the game's first possession before scoring the next 28 points to take a 28-3 halftime lead.

Key rushed for scores of 1, 48, 9 and 10 yards. On his 48-yard score, he bulled over a defender and raced 40 yards to the end zone. He finished with 186 rushing yards and completed 5 of 9 passes for 122 yards. One of those completions was a 71-yard score on a dump pass to running back Makai Green.

“I want to thank the (offensive) line,” Key said. “They played a great game tonight. We've been working hard. We've been running plays over and over again, trying to perfect our offense.”

The Bears allowed 281 total yards and had three sacks, including two by junior middle linebacker DJ Allen. Rangers sophomore quarterback Josh Adkins played well in spots. He completed a 53-yard pass to Derek Housler that led to Smithson Valley's first score, a 28-yard field goal by Zach Watson. Adkins also scored Smithson Valley's only touchdown, a 38-yard run in the fourth quarter.